FALL RIVER — The shining 1965 maroon Chevy Impala appeared to have been professionally restored to show quality condition.

But, that wasn’t the case at all.

The car’s owner, Bob Astle, a retired Fall River brick layer, was as original as his Impala.

“You might see original cars, but you don’t often see the original owner,” Astle said.

Astle still has the original bill of sale for the car. He paid $3,000 for the Impala on March 9, 1965. The car today at a ripe old age of 49 has just 80,000 miles on it.

“I put $25 down and didn’t know how I was going to pay for it,” Astle said.

Astle simply took good care of the car all these years. The original spare tire is still in the trunk.

When Astle bought the Chevy Impala, he never knew it would one day be a “classic” car, worthy of being shown.

“I didn’t know I was going to have it this long,” Astle said. “My wife used the car every day when the kids were growing up.”

It’s no longer his everyday vehicle, and hasn’t been for a long time.

Astle’s car was one of about 100 cars and bikes on display at the third annual Customs for Kids Expo at Kennedy Park on Sunday.

Adults and kids got a close-up look at custom and antique cars and bikes, including a 1928 Ford Model A sport coupe painted with a swirling gray and purple finish.

Many of the vehicles dated to the 1950s and 1960s, like a jet black Chevy Chevelle, an orange and black Plymouth Road Runner, and a ruby red Monte Carlo.

Steven and Darlene Tetrealt showed their 1965 black Volkswagen Beetle, built in pieces from the ground up, to honor their late daughter.

“I made a promise to my daughter before she passed away,” said Steven Tetrealt.

The promise was to build a vintage vehicle. He never got to keep the promise when his daughter was alive.

Mirissa Medeiros, 22, died in a car accident on Route 24 on Thanksgiving 2011.

“Six months later, I built it,” Tetrealt said. “It was built in pieces with the help of my daughter’s friends.”

Christine Carvalho, event organizer, said the Customs for Kids car and bike expo, presented by County Street Autosports, has raised $10,000 in the last two years. All funds benefit Greater Fall River Re-Creation.

Carvalho, a Silvia School teacher, owns the business with her husband, Mike Carvalho, She said so many of “her kids” enjoy Greater Fall River Re-Creation, so she decided to host the annual event for city children.

Page 2 of 2 - The Carvalhos called in their numerous custom and vintage car contacts for the show. The event also offered lots of family activities, including a bounce house, face-painting, dancing, games, entertainment, along with food and refreshments.

“It’s a place that benefits my students,” Carvalho said. “That makes it all worth it.”